Students worry about taking home more

<b1>For students of classes IX and X, getting used to the new evaluation system may take some time.

Principals and teachers have tagged the step as progressive, but students appeared confused over what the change meant for them.

Everyone acknowledged the advantages of having a continuous comprehensive evaluation process, but many parents and children wondered if it would lead to more homework and assignments.

Rishabh Marya (15) expressed mixed feelings about the whole issue. “While I completely support the introduction of grades, I am not in favour of making Class X Boards optional as it helps us to be better prepared to face the Class XII examination and competitive entrance tests later on,” said the Class X student of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram.

The idea of being under the scanner all year long too has evoked apprehension among students.

“Though the focus on everyday learning is a great idea, I hope it is implemented earnestly. I don’t want my child to feel stressed throughout the year with regular homework and tests. A right balance has to be achieved,” said Ramesh Singhal, a parent.

The system of grading and continuous evaluation, for instance, is already in place in America where children are graded regularly on assignments, tests and quizzes. But here, too, there is strong debate over the actual advantages of such a system as children end up devoting quite some time doing their homework daily.

Ameeta Wattal, principal, Springdales, Pusa Road, however, dismisses doubts over the effectiveness of the new system introduced by the Board.

“One has to understand and appreciate the new shift that this will usher in. From year-end stress, the focus will now be on full-time understanding of the child,” she said.